Growing Towards the Sun, Chasing the Light

— Messages at the Commencement Ceremony of the Class of 2025

Nie Zuoren

President of BJUT and CAE Member

Good morning, everyone!

I' d like to extend a warm welcome to all the parents, friends, teachers and colleagues here. Thank you for attending today's commencement ceremony. Welcome, too, to all the graduates of the Class of 2025!

Today, for the first time, we gather here in this open space  together with all the graduates of the Class of 2025 and their parents. You come from different provincial administrative regions across the country, as well as different countries and regions around the world. I sensed that each one of you has great potential and big dreams. And here, you have come together as one. You are united by shared ideals, the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, and of service to society. Bathed in sunshine, you grow towards the sun and chase the light. This is the spirit of BJUT and my wish and blessing for you.

We gather today to recognize your achievements and celebrate your success. Among you are undergraduates from the same dorm room who secured graduate admissions; Master's students who took part in the construction of China's-and the world's-most advanced High Energy Photon Source facility; doctoral students who published as first authors in top international journals such as Science; outstanding student veterans; graduate students who have contributed over 1,100 hours of volunteer service supporting major national events; and graduates who are preparing to head to Western China, where the country and its people need them most. We take great pride in your accomplishments. In particular, you, the Class of 2025, have witnessed the great leap forward BJUT made under the "14th Five-Year Plan." And this year, as the University celebrates its 65th anniversary, you have also witnessed how the construction of the new campus has given new momentum to the University's development. This period marks China's rise as a global power and your growth with BJUT.

Hard work pays off. You owe your success today to your diligence. You should thank your teachers who have painstakingly nurtured you, your families who have stood by you every step of the way, your friends who have always cared about your development, and a society that has supported your growth. Thanks to their help, your hard work has paid off. Please offer them your sincerest respect and heartfelt thanks!

On this special day, you begin a new chapter in your life. After the conferral of degrees today, you may step into a phase of life where hard work does not seem to pay off. Let this be a lesson. In the real world, you will face more choices -and more temptations- than ever before.

Your time at BJUT has mirrored the University's own journey- driven by the shared mission of promoting the development of both the nation and the Capital. In the early days of the University, we approached graduation projects in a down-to-earth manner, working toward goals we felt within our reach, and trained talent for Beijing's high-end technological industries. In today's new era, we conduct advanced scientific research, actively building national strategic scientific and technological strength, we take the lead in securing approval for national key laboratories and national engineering laboratories, and we participate in national laboratory initiatives. We have fully integrated into the development of Beijing as a global hub for innovation, greatly contributing to China's self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology.

The world is experiencing great changes unseen in a century. The development of digitalization and artificial intelligence will bring about transformative change in our society. Climate change and the loss of biodiversity are threatening our very survival. Challenges like these demand our immediate action.

First and foremost, I urge you to regard taking part in world affairs as your personal duty, to move forward through innovation, to grow towards the sun, and shoulder responsibilities as BJUTers. This is precisely the essence of our motto "Pursuit of Innovation the Path". In the 2025 video "Role Models of Moral Education: My Favorite Teachers," many teachers mentioned the word "responsibility." It reflects not only their high expectations for you, but also the mission and commitment we uphold as BJUTers.

You must also stay true to your original aspirations, chase the light and channel your "BJUT energy." Just like your studies and exploration, striving is meaningful in itself. With every step upward, a mountain climber gains a broader view, even if they may not reach the summit in one go. We should not be obsessed with achieving instant success, neither should we shy away from the fact that "hard work does not always pay off." Over 200,000 alumni are working on the front lines of various industries. What may appear as "unrewarded" moments have, in truth, crystallized into moral fortitude and depth of character. You have to have this noble character of "not claiming credit, but always making sure to contribute your share to the success of the cause," shouldering your responsibilities and forging ahead.

As you journey forward, remember to support others. BJUT graduates are all very capable in their employment. Supporting others is not only a gesture of kindness but also shows that you respect and embrace diversity. Success is sweeter when it is shared, and your kindness in this way will make the world a better place.

More importantly, you need to pursue your dreams and rise to your responsibilities as BJUTers. Since ancient times Chinese civilization has emphasized the necessary synergy between individual well-being and the greater good. The BJUT community embodies this spirit, too. Take Professor Yin Shuyan's team from the Institute of Welding Technology for example-for over 30 years, four generations of welders have dedicated their lives to welding, safeguarding key facilities of national significance.

You have the power not only to shape your own destiny, but also to contribute to the rejuvenation of the nation. Your skills in green technology and digitalization can help achieve carbon neutrality among other goals, thereby changing the world. But without willingness, change is impossible. I hope you devote yourselves to the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, determine the value of life amid national development, and respond to the needs of the country and its people, thereby showcasing the BJUT spirit.

"With a determined heart and self-motivation, your day to soar will surely come." Today, I share these words again with you. I hope you honor your promise to spread your wings and fly high, along with the Chinese nation!

Dear students, I am delighted to celebrate your graduation with you here in Beijing, the capital of our great nation, one of the most ancient yet modern cities in the world. You are always welcome to come back! BJUT will always be a safe harbor for you, and your guardian as you journey ahead. At last, I wish you all a happy graduation and a bright future!

Congratulations once again and thank you all!